What it means to be a Blue Jays fan today
Waking up today to the seemingly inevitable news that the Jays are open to entertaining trades for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a stark reminder of how it feels to be a second-class citizen in the world of Major League Baseball.
To say that it is frustrating is an understatement to say the least.
While top market teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Mets and Red Sox are entertaining the thoughts of adding an elite talent like Juan Soto or Roki Sasaki, Canada arises from their slumber facing a future without their one pre-eminent producer who, when he had a choice, chose them over 9 years ago as a 16-year-old prodigy.
It is not like we couldn't see this coming.
As other franchises were extending their foundational pieces early on in their entry level existence, the Jays chose to play the game with Guerrero Jr.
After an MVP level campaign in 2021 where he led the majors in home runs, runs scored and total bases, finishing 2nd in MVP voting behind a Shohei Ohtani, a player that we may one day look upon as the greatest to ever compete in the sport.
The franchise made decision to wait it out to see if the performance was an anomaly, or if it was indeed the forebearer of a hall of fame future.
They would then continue to toe the line of indecision after a simply above average 2022, when they potentially could have declared their fealty at potentially a sizeable discount.
Then again following another apparently declining year in 2023. When the 2024 season rolled out, it started with more questions than answers as Vladimir appeared to be succumbing to the pressures of transitioning from the future, to «the man».
His closest friends and teammates jettisoned along with his fancy blue sport-coat, the vilification of Vlad was in full swing.
The franchises faith was tested, possibly validating their deliberate and decisive pathway towards the expiration of their entry-level control of the situation.
Just then, mid-way through the season, when hope in Jr. was waning the most, something clicked.
Whether it was the wonky wrist that had continuously bugged him for the past couple of seasons started to feel better, or feasting on the outside, off-speed pitch that he had mashed in 2021, or the blistering missiles hit with elite exit velocity started to miss more defenders, or the simple act of cutting his trademark hair, the eye popping stats were back.
And just like that, the bargain bin opportunity evaporated for the Toronto Blue Jays.
The future of the franchise, along with his million-dollar smile and his youthful exuberance for America's national pastime somehow, someway, still chose Canada.
He was vocal about wanting to stay, to lead his team, his city and his adopted country (although he was born in Montreal, he identifies as Dominican) to a possible World Series one day, never wishing to pull another jersey over his formerly dread-locked head.
Perhaps it is fitting that the Blue Jays, who spent significantly more time, effort and energy on renovating a concrete convertible, then they did on surrounding Vlad with the right mix of talent to compliment their leader (and note that I did not mention what they spent on their roster, as they have remained committed to investing in the product on the field).
But now, as their fan base clamors for the security of knowing that they will be able to cheer on the Mayor of the Barrio for the foreseeable future and beyond, the front office has now made it clear that they will listen to trade offers for the heart and soul of the franchise.
Regardless of whether this ignites an opportunity to extend, or more accurately, re-open a competitive window, let's be very clear about this, if he is dealt and not extended, it is ultimately an abject failure of management that won't soon be forgotten by many.
Loyalty matters. Stop playing the game. Give the man the bag.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 21 | 77 ANSWERS What it means to be a Blue Jays fan today Do you think the Jays will deal Guerrero Jr. before the 2025 season? | ||
| Yes | 25 | 32.5 % |
| No | 52 | 67.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
